05/18/2026
*For Immediate Release*
Putnam Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
Putnam’s Memorial Day observance will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026, with our parade step-off at 10:00 am and will conclude with a memorial program at Rotary Park. In case of inclement weather, notification will be on the Putnam Recreation page, WINY 1350 AM & 97.1 FM Radio and on their WINY Radio page the morning of the parade.
The parade will feature a lineup of marchers which will include town officials, a National Guard Unit, local Veteran’s groups, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion poppy queens, several civic and fraternal organizations and youth groups. To accommodate older and disabled Veterans who wish to be in the parade, transportation will be available by contacting the Putnam Recreation Department at (860) 963-6811.
Our 2026 American Legion Poppy Queen is Alexa DeLeon. The VFW Poppy Queen is Rilynne Sargent.
Our Parade Marshal is Peter Regas. Peter enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1969. He went to Great Lakes, Illinois for basic training and engineering school and then Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for advanced training from September 9, 1971, through March 20, 1972. He served in the engine room aboard the USS Mississinewa (AO-144), a refueling ship, in the Mediterranean. Peter was honorably discharged in September of 1975.
Immediately following the parade, a spoken Memorial Day observance ceremony will take place in Rotary Park on Kennedy Drive. The program will be led by Master of Ceremonies, Lieutenant Commander U.S. Navy (retired) Roy Simmons. Our keynote address will be given by USMC Major (retired) Eric Kapitulik. Rounding out the program are VFW Chaplin Tod Smith and American Legion Chaplin Pierre Desilets who will offer prayers to begin and end the program. Musical talent for the program is compliments of the Putnam High School Music Department.
After the ceremony, the VFW, American Legion, and Veterans Advisory Committee will host a free picnic in Rotary Park. Refreshments will include hot dogs, chips, cookies, and drinks for as long as they last.
Earlier in the week local Veterans will place American flags at the graves of Veterans interred in the St. Mary, Grove Street, Nancy Drive, Munyan Road, and Route 21 cemeteries. The flags will remain in place until Veterans Day in November.
The traditional wreath laying and military tributes at Putnam cemeteries, bridges and monuments will be conducted by a National Guard firing squad, plus officers and color guards from the American Legion and VFW, starting at 10:00 am on Sunday, May 24th.
The Putnam Police Department provides security and es**rt services for all Memorial Day observance activities.
Contact Putnam Recreation 860-963-6811 with any questions.